Harumafuji takes over top ranking

With the Japan Sumo Association’s release of the new rankings on Monday, yokozuna Harumafuji finally finds himself at sumo’s true summit after his promotion to the prestigious east position.

The 28-year-old Harumafuji, who won his fifth career title at the New Year basho in January with his third 15-0 record, will sit at the top of the throne for the first time for the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament getting under way on March 10 at Bodymaker Colosseum.

Rival yokozuna Hakuho, who lost to Harumafuji on the final day in January and ended with a pedestrian 12-3 mark, has been relegated to the west wing for the first time since the 2010 January meet — ending his streak as sumo’s top gun at 18 consecutive meets.

Kisenosato retains his position on the east side in his second straight tournament to lead the four ozeki wrestlers, while Kakuryu will also be sharing the same locker room as his highly touted rival.

Let’s hope Harumafuji can hold his nerve and really give Hakuho a run for his money. As much as I like Hakuho, it’s always better to have a bit of competition. Makes the tournaments much more interesting.